Srinagar, July 15 (JKNS): Director Colleges, Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Ajaz Bashir on Tuesday delivered a powerful message to college faculty during the inauguration of a week-long Faculty Development Programme at Government College for Women, M.A. Road Srinagar, urging them to go beyond routine formalities and become mentors in the true sense.
Government College for Women, M.A. Road Srinagar, inaugurated a week-long Faculty Development Programme (FDP) titled “Emerging Research Trends in Science”, aimed at equipping college faculty with the latest insights in scientific research, pedagogy, and interdisciplinary innovation.
The programme, held at the college’s auditorium, witnessed the presence of prominent educationists, researchers, and administrative heads.
Director Colleges, Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, who was the chief guest at the inaugural function, delivered a keynote address that urged faculty members to redefine their roles in the academic ecosystem as per news agency JKNS, “Take ownership of the college. Don’t be in a college on the basis of biometric attendance. Be there on the basis of your engagement with students. It should be a mentor-mentee mechanism not a monologue,” he said. He emphasized that salaries will follow, but what truly counts is a teacher’s contribution to the academic and ethical growth of students.
Highlighting the current academic session, Prof. Ajaz remarked that over 54,000 students have already been registered for admission, reflecting growing trust in government colleges. He encouraged the faculty to stand by this growing student body and prepare for the rollout of the fourth year of the Undergraduate Programme under NEP-2020, which includes dual verticals of research and honours.
He further announced that faculty placement processes would soon be digitized. “This month we are launching an online portal for placements. No one will need to visit the Directorate of Colleges. Applications will be submitted online and reviewed twice a year by a technical committee and subsequently by the DPC,” he said.
Speaking at the inauguration, Principal Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq described the FDP as a timely and necessary step in academic reform. “Faculty must keep pace with rapid research trends,” she said. “With the exponential growth in technology and interdisciplinary innovation, it is imperative that teachers stay current. This FDP provides an opportunity for upskilling, knowledge sharing, and future collaboration.” She also emphasized that such initiatives are vital for maintaining academic excellence and ensuring that colleges remain centers of thought leadership.
Prof. Seema Naz, Nodal Principal Kashmir and Dean Academic Affairs of Cluster University Srinagar, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities that come with the NEP-driven reforms. “The fourth-year research vertical is a major challenge. Faculty must be fully aware to mentor students effectively. Programmes like this FDP are critical to preparing ourselves,” she said.
The concept note of the FDP was presented by Prof. Majida Maqbool, HoD Chemistry and the Course Coordinator. The week-long programme includes two sessions daily, each followed by a panel discussion. Topics will cover Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Life Sciences, Nanotechnology, and Environmental Sustainability.
During the event, the electronic version of the College Coffee Table Book was launched, showcasing the college’s legacy and future aspirations. A book titled “Machine Learning & Cyber-security (AI for Threat Detection & Prevention)”, authored by Prof. Raashid Ashraf Malik and Dr. Asif Iqbal Kawoosa from the Department of Computer Sciences, was also released.
Two faculty members Dr. Momina Nazir (Department of Chemistry) and Dr. Parsa Sarosh (Department of Electronics) were felicitated for earning patents in their respective research areas.
The event began with a national anthem and a guard of honour presented by the NCC cadets. Dr. Momina Nazir concluded the programme with a formal vote of thanks.
Also present at the event were Prof. Wilayat Hussain Rizvi (Registrar, Cluster University Srinagar), Prof. Aijaz Ahmed Hakak (Principal Amar Singh College), and Prof. Mudasir Afshan (Principal AAAM College Bemina). (JKNS)
